My fourth Board meeting last week was a busy and substantive one. One of the most pressing items, redistricting the Board of Supervisorís boundaries following the 2010 Census will determine who represents you at the County level for the next decade. There was some lively debate at the meeting, and as the months continue, I hope to have your input as well.

It was also another productive week for me in the district as I had the opportunity to meet more of you – the constituents that I serve and community partners that help make this County great. On Monday, I had the privilege of attending the Lions Field opening in Fullerton, which has a personal meaning to me as a former football player and current coach. In the unincorporated Anaheim Island, many families received useful information about County services and resources from one of my representatives.

There are many more events occurring this weekend in our wonderful and diverse district. Please take a look at this edition of my newsletter and make plans to enjoy what the Fourth has to offer. I hope you will be able to participate.

Sincerely,Shawn Nelson.

BOARD UPDATE

At its July 27 meeting, the Board of Supervisors began the process of County redistricting by creating an ad hoc subcommittee to explore issues related to creating the ultimate redistricting committee.

The ad hoc committee will be composed of Supervisors Janet Nguyen and Bill Campbell, as well as appointees made by each of the remaining Supervisors. The principal topic for review will be the ultimate composition of the redistricting committee, including what approach to take in drawing the district lines.

Redistricting occurs after each ten-year census is completed. This will happen in 2011, with redistricting complete in time for the 2012 County elections.

NELSON IN THE COMMUNITY

Lions Field Dedication - Fullerton

The Lions Field dedication of August 2 was an important event for Shawn.

The former Mayor and Councilman worked to secure funding through redevelopment and park funds so no new General Fund expenditures were used or finances from city operations or reserves depleted. Shawn also worked with Parks and Recreation to make sure the artificial surface was state of the art.

The new field and sports complex town hall allows plenty of room for entire leagues to meet in comfort along with ample parking for fans and teams competing. The cement stadium style bleachers allow fans to see the 2 football fields and 2 softball stadiums, along with plenty of sideline room for beach chairs and umbrella setups close to the action for soccer and rugby year-round since drainage and wet grass issues will never stop play.

The storage center has ample room to secure team equipment and field -prep golf carts and is conveniently located in the center of the complex at field level next to Harbor Blvd.

“The beauty of this complex is that it’s the best in Southern California. Trust me…I’ve been to almost every complex in Southern California getting ideas on what works and what we needed to have...and this today…begins what is truly a ‘field of dreams’ for kids to enjoy for generations to come, “ said Nelson.

Supervisor Shawn Nelson and Scott Stanford, Chairman of the Fullerton Parks and Recreation Commission, savors the opening day excitement at the ribbon cutting for the new Lions Field - meeting center. Stanford partnered with Shawn to bring in the finest design and engineering specialists to create the finest year-round sports complex in California.

Shawn joins the Fullerton Cheer ensemble at the opening ceremonies. The team did traditional cheerleading routines followed by a free-style song leader interpretation to music.

Shawn joins football legend Jimbo Wright, President of the Fullerton Pop Warner and Scott Hayes, Parks and Recreation Commissioner at the opening day festivities. Minutes later, Shawn took the field and began drills for his new team as they prepare for the 2010 football season.

WAND Welcomes Shawn Nelson - Anaheim

Special thanks to Esther Wallace and the Board members and associates of the West Anaheim Neighborhood Development committee for their invitation to meet and brief Shawn on issues, challenges and community “quality of life” agendas they are actively working on.

Shawn provided his council background and experience with redevelopment planning and how he will be sensitive to WAND and its concerns.

WAND priorities at this first meeting include better ‘advance’ communications from the County related to plans and proposals for low income housing, new business development opportunities, request for a better explanation related to policies of Section 8 vouchers, and crime statistics they wanted to see related to crime.

Anaheim Independencia Networking Event

La Colonia Independencia Community Center in Anaheim was the “center of activity” last Saturday for hundreds of local residents who enjoyed taking County resource and services information handouts provided by Shawn Nelson's office. The outreach program delivered contact information for the One-stop Job Center and a Senior Services inventory of events, medical, housing, care-giver, exercise therapy classes, even tax preparation appointments to enhance quality of life experiences for Seniors in the 4th District. Shawn's mission to encourage kids to stay in school was highlighted by individual talks with kids who learned the importance of going to college and fulfilling their dreams. Staff members from the Community Action Partners, OC Sheriffs and their Gang Enforcement Taskforce, the District Attorney’s Gang Reduction and Impact Project, Health Care and Social Services successfully worked all day Saturday with the Nelson team to provide personal communications and counseling essential in deterring at-risk kids from gangs, poverty and obesity by directing them to positive partnerships with teachers, health and nutrition techs, police and community-policy role models like Shawn Nelson.

Among the artists is David Zenger, staff Policy Analyst for Supervisor Nelson. Several of his landscape paintings are being featured at the Village Art Center at 529 North Harbor Boulevard.

La Habra Corn Festival

Please come join Supervisor Nelson this weekend in La Habra as the city celebrates its annual Corn Festival!

Food, Rides, Games, Music and fun for the whole family. Daytime or night time, anytime is the right time for fun at the La Habra Corn Festival. Meet Miss La Habra and her court when you purchase raffle tickets for a new Car or other great prizes. Enjoy hot buttery Corn on the Cob, great sandwiches, sweet warm Funnel Cakes and other tasty treats. Be sure to visit the new Corn Festival Marketplace - Admission is FREE!

Nelson to honor fallen hereos at "Cigars for Hereos"
event on Sunday August 29th

Supervisor Nelson is honored to announce that Sunday, August 29th has been selected as the date for the Cpl. Claudio Patino and Sgt Mark Arizmendez memorial event to raise cigars and care-package products that will be sent to Claudio’s Marine Scout-Sniper squad in Afghanistan. The El Dorado High grad perished in combat operation in the Helmand Province on June 22nd.

The “Cigars for Heroes” event will be hosted Sunday August 29th, and will be located at Vintage Cigars, 3734 S. Bristol, Santa Ana, 92704. The Event is designed for those who want to drive-by and donate any amount of money or care-package goodies to help the Patino Family, or purchase or bring a single, box or bundle of cigars that the Supervisor will arrange to be sent to Patino’s platoon in Afghanistan.

Special thanks to Robbie Saoud, owner and manager of Vintage Cigars, and John Dade, of OC Corvettes and the legendary “Corvette Mike’ who will attend and help promote the event.

For additional information on this event, please feel free to contact Steve Spernak at the office of Supervisor Shawn Nelson at 714 834 3542.

OC PARKS SPOTLIGHT

George Key Ranch

Yes, there are still namesake orange groves in Orange County! Located in the city of Placentia, Historic George Key Ranch takes you back to turn-of-the-century farming with a historic house, museum, garden and orange grove.

This beautifully landscaped site totals 2.2 acres. Located within the park is the George Key home, built in 1898 and listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks, a collection of farm equipment and hand tools, a 1-acre orange grove and 3/4-acre verse garden.

Take a trip back to Orange County’s past during special weekend visiting hours on August 7. Visitors may drop in or call in advance to set up a special tour with the park staff.

Public Hours
12:15 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and the first Saturday of each month.

(Above) Supervisor Nelson awards Joseph Lopez recognition as Cal State University Fullerton’s Associated Student Body President. Joseph came to the County office to receive his award and had a light chat with the Supervisor about CSUF’s new on campus voter registration program and life as the Titan’s ASB president!

Certificates of Recognition

Doubletree Hotel in Anaheim- Received the “2009 Connie Award” for extraordinary service, efficiency, and customer care.

If you are interested in serving on one of these committees, please call Audra Adams at (714) 834.3998.

COUNTY UPDATE

Good News for Orange County Veterans

At the July 13th Veterans Advisory Council meeting, the OC Community Services Director gave a report on several new programs and initiatives that will benefit Orange County’s Veterans. Report highlights are as follows:

Veterans Employment Programs:
The OC Community Services Orange County Workforce Investment Board (OCWIB) was awarded $989,893, by the State of California Employment Development Department, to serve 140 Veterans with employment and training services, under the Veterans Employment-Related Assistance Program. OCWIB will work in partnership with Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network, community-based organizations, community colleges and universities, and other partners to provide employment and training assistance to help qualified Veterans develop skills and careers in high-wage, high-demand occupations. Veterans can access these services at all OCWIB One-Stop locations in Orange County. For more information please call the Orange County One Stop Centers at Westminster (714) 241-4900, Irvine (949) 341-8000, the OCWIB office at (714) 567-7528 or visit www.ocwib.org or www.oconestop.com.

Veterans Housing Programs:
The OC Community Services Orange County Housing Authority was awarded $1,667,412 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide 150 more Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Vouchers for homeless Veterans. The Orange County Housing Authority works in partnership with the Orange County Veterans Service Office and the Long Beach VA to administer this program. Qualified homeless Veterans receive Section 8 rental assistance and case management and supportive services. For more information please call (714) 480-2700 or visit www.ochousing.org.

VETConnect Initiative:
OC Community Services is currently working with the Health Care Agency on the development a unique partnership to enhance services to Veterans through a Proposition 63 Mental Health Services Act funded Innovation Project called VETConnect. VETConnect will be co-located with the Orange County Veterans Service Office. Once implemented, Veterans and their families will have one central place to obtain benefits, care and resources. Key to this program will be the use of trained Veteran peers who will work with Veterans to screen for services needed and to link either directly or using program staff navigators. This partnership will increase access to housing, jobs, supported employment, healthcare, and benefits as well as an array of community providers.

10 Year Plan to End Homelessness:
In January 2010, the Board of Supervisors approved Orange County’s draft 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness. In support of this effort, OC Community Services recently released a Request for Proposals for the development of permanent supportive housing, transitional shelter, and supportive services. Qualified proposals will be forwarded to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for funding consideration. If funded, Orange County will have additional resources for homeless Veterans and other homeless sub-populations. Last year, OC Community Services secured $13.1 million through this competitive grant process. For more information please call (714) 480-2744.

Services for Older Adult Veterans:
The OC Community Services Office on Aging offers a wide variety of services for older adult Veterans. Services include information and assistance, home delivered meals and congregate meals, non-emergency medical transportation, adult day care, in-home services, case management, caregiver support, and other community-based services that help older adults to remain at home and independent. For additional information, please call (800) 510-2010 or visit www.officeonaging.ocgov.com.

Increased Veterans Benefits Assistance:
The OC Community Services Veterans Service Office is committed to providing quality benefits and claims assistance for Orange County’s Veterans. As part of its commitment to supporting those who have served our country, the Veterans Service Office has increased services over the past three years. The following FY 2009/10 statistics highlight some of these efforts: 6,261 office visits, 19,315 phone calls, 14,644 claims and assistance activities, $2.8 million in Veterans college fee waivers, and $6.6 million of benefits assistance. For additional information, please call (714) 567-7450 or visit www.veterans.ocgov.com.

Due to its diversity of programs and services, OC Community Services has the ability to triage and coordinate many different programs and services for Orange County’s Veterans. As a result, OC Community Services has developed innovative best practice models and programs that have been showcased to counties across the State. OC Community Services is part of a larger County Department called OC Community Resources.

Pet of the Week

4th District Resturant of the Week

Supervisor Nelson has chosen Mama Cozza’s Italian Restaurant in Anaheim as the 4th District's Restaurant of the Week!

Mama Cozza's Italian Restaurant

Mama Cozza's Italian Restaurant is one of a kind! We’ve been serving fine Italian food since 1965 and are now celebrating our 45th year, thanks to you, our special guests! At Mama Cozza’s, you can enjoy an intimate dinner for two or a large family feast. Throw a catered party in our Banquet Room or just stop by our lounge to watch a game. We boast a full bar, a diverse wine list, and special Italian desserts-all served in the friendly, neighborhood atmosphere of a family-owned establishment.